Questions: Which explanation does the nurse use to describe the term "regulatory law" as applied to nursing practice? Provides fair and equitable treatment when civil wrongs or violations occur Describes and defines the legal boundaries of the nursing practice within each state Reflects the decisions made by administrative bodies such as state boards of nursing Results from judicial decisions made in courts based on the judgments of individual legal cases

The answer is the third one: Reflects the decisions made by administrative bodies such as state boards of nursing.

Explanation for each option:

1. Provides fair and equitable treatment when civil wrongs or violations occur: This describes tort law, which deals with civil wrongs and provides remedies for individuals harmed by the wrongful acts of others. It is not specific to regulatory law in nursing.

2. Describes and defines the legal boundaries of the nursing practice within each state: This refers to statutory law, which is created by legislative bodies and defines the scope and limitations of nursing practice through nurse practice acts.

3. Reflects the decisions made by administrative bodies such as state boards of nursing: This is the correct explanation for regulatory law. Regulatory law involves rules and regulations created by administrative agencies, such as state boards of nursing, which oversee and enforce the standards of nursing practice.

4. Results from judicial decisions made in courts based on the judgments of individual legal cases: This describes case law or common law, which is based on judicial decisions and precedents set by courts, rather than regulatory law.

In summary, regulatory law in nursing is primarily concerned with the rules and regulations established by administrative bodies like state boards of nursing.